Mayweather tops money list

LOS ANGELES - Unbeaten boxer Floyd Mayweather tops Sports Illustrated's list of highest-paid pro sportsmen for the second straight year, according to the list released by the magazine yesterday.

Mayweather stretched his perfect record to 44-0 with a 12-round unanimous decision over Robert Guerrero on May 4, the first fight in his new megadeal with Showtime television that guarantees him at least $US32 million per fight over six bouts.

The fight for Mayweather's World Boxing Council welterweight world title was the champion's first since serving a jail term for domestic violence last year.

In compiling its Fortunate 50 list, Sports Illustrated reckoned Mayweather would earn $US90 million in 2013.

Tiger Woods, who was No.1 on the Fortunate 50 every year from 2004-11, falls to his lowest ranking ever at number five with estimated earnings this year of $US40.8 million.

LeBron James, the Miami Heat superstar is second on the list with projected earnings of $US56.5 million.

James becomes the first player in a team sport to be in the top two since former NBA star Shaquille O'Neal in 2004.

James's $US39 million in endorsements were more than any other US sports figure in 2013, Sports Illustrated reported.

New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees, who didn't figure in the top 50 in 2012, shot to number three in 2013 thanks to a $US37 million signing bonus from his NFL team.